Thought for the day - November 7th

Subject: Thought for the day - November 7th
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Nov 99 - 12:24 AM

The artist sank down to his knees with a cry:
"Oh, the Compassionate One!" For where the last animal had stood now only white silk that seemed never to have felt the touch of ink; and the great Buddha, the Buddha whom he had painted reclining with hands folded upon his breast, had stretched out an arm in blessing, and under the holy hand knelt the figure of a tiny cat, with pretty white head bowed in happy adoration.

The Eighth Song of the Housekeeper

This is too great a mystery
For me to comprehend:
The mercy of the Buddha
Has no end.
This is too beautiful a thing
To understand:
His garments touch the furthest
Grain of sand

Elizabeth Coatsworth: The Cat Who Went to Heaven

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - November 7th
From: Peter T.
Date: 07 Nov 99 - 10:50 AM

Phew! Is this a book, or what, kat? [As a Zen master of mine used to say, the vow to save all beings is the vow that can never be answered, never be fulfilled, never be attained.]yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - November 7th
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Nov 99 - 01:26 PM

Oh, Peter! IT is one of the BEST books, ever! Usually listed under children's books. It won the Newberry Medal.

Here's what the jacket says: This story of the cat who came to live wiht a poor Japanese artist and brought him good fortune while teaching him patience and devotion has become a recognised classic over the years. As his master paints lovingly on the silk scroll he ahs been commissioned to make for the village temple, the cat watches him draw a snail, a swan, a horse, a dog -- until finally, moved by compassion, the artist performs an act of pure love and is rewarded by a miracle.

PHOKAS, IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THIS, DO! It first came out in 1958, but there have been numerous printings since. My paperback came out in the 80's.

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - November 7th
From: catspaw49
Date: 07 Nov 99 - 01:40 PM

I have a shitload of cats as you know Kat....and I love'em and they're wonderful but, uh..........Where do I get one like you describe in this book?

Spaw

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - November 7th
From: catspaw49
Date: 07 Nov 99 - 01:45 PM

I have a shitload of cats as you know Kat....and I love'em and they're wonderful but, uh..........Where do I get one like you describe in this book?

Spaw

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - November 7th
From: Peter T.
Date: 07 Nov 99 - 01:53 PM

Well, I shall have to get this ASAP. Have you ever seen the Kurosawa movie, Redbeard? Best movie about Buddhism ever made, and has a similar story at its centre (not about art). Thanks for posting it -- I need a Christmas book for my goddaughter about Buddhism (HoHoHoAum!)

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - November 7th
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Nov 99 - 03:00 PM

Peter, I don't know how, but I missed that Kurosawa! I love his movies! I LOVE YOUR HoHoHoAum! Perfect!

Spaw....this is one of those catundrums; it only exists if you believe it so!**BG** So...go manifest yer own!!!

I was in a hurry...going out the door, when I posted the above....prrofreed, kat, proffreid!